Executive functions, Personality traits and ADHD symptoms in adolescents: A mediation analysis

Abstract

Certain personality traits and cognitive domains of executive functions (EF) are differentially related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adolescents. This study aimed to analyze the five-factor model (FFM) personality characteristics in adolescents with ADHD, and to examine whether EF mediate the relationships between FFM personality traits and ADHD symptoms. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment, including ADHD clinical interviews, ADHD rating scales, neuropsychological EF testing (i.e., working memory, flexibility and inhibition) and a personality assessment was carried out in a sample of 118 adolescents (75 ADHD and 43 control participants, 68% males), aged 12 to 16 years, and their parents and teachers. Adolescents with ADHD had lower scores than control participants on Conscientiousness and Agreeableness, and higher scores on Neuroticism. Structural equation models (SEM) showed that Conscientiousness directly influenced inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, while Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Extraversion directly affected hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Only Conscientiousness exerted indirect effects on inattention, but not on hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms, via EF; higher scores on Conscientiousness were related to higher scores on EF, which in turn were related to lower scores on inattentive symptoms. These findings corroborate the relationships between ADHD symptoms, FFM personality traits and EF and indicate the mediating effect of EF on the relationship between Conscientiousness and inattention.

Trait mindfulness and personality characteristics in a microdosing ADHD sample: a naturalistic prospective survey study

“…In contrast, neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness were at baseline on average higher compared to the mean BFI-10 scores of general population samples ( 39 , 40 ). The reported baseline conscientiousness, extraversion and neuroticism scores were in line with previously reported associations between ADHD and personality traits ( 20 , 21 , 25 ). In contrast, agreeableness and openness were relatively high in the current sample at baseline while previous studies reported a negative or no relationship between ADHD symptoms and agreeableness and openness, respectively ( 20 , 23 , 24 , 26 ).…”

Executive Functions in Children with ADHD

“…In addition, a study by Silverstein et al 32 in 2020 found that some children with executive dysfunctions had no symptoms of ADHD, including inattentive symptoms and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. This is in accordance with a study by Krieger et al 33 that factors affecting symptoms of ADHD are not only impaired EFs but also personality traits. Conscientiousness directly affects both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, while neuroticism, lack of agreeableness, and poor extraversion directly affect hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.…”

Creativity in the Predominantly Inattentive and Combined Presentations of ADHD in Adults

“…The score in the Performance domain of the ADHD-C group was moderately and positively related to hyperactivity and marginally, but not significantly, related to impulsivity ( r = .420, p = .074). Interestingly, these symptoms are linked to extraversion ( Krieger et al, 2020 ), a personality trait found in high levels in singers, comedians, and actors ( Cameron et al, 2015 ; Greengross & Miller, 2009 ; Nettle, 2006 ). Extraversion would ease performers into taking the center stage, among other things.…”